Siu Lim Tao Part 3 – Paak Sau 拍手

After we have done parts 1 and 2 of Siu Lim Tao 小念頭, we now focus on part 3. The purpose of part 3 is applications. There are many applications in Wing Chun and also a many basic hands. One of the basic hands is Paak Sau 拍手 and it is also one of the best. The Wing Chun principle is the straight line, once we have our target we strike forwards in a straight line. At the start of the form, after we have opened our stance (Hoi Ma 開馬), we mark the Centre line and then strike forwards from our centre. That means our centre and the opponent’s centre is the key. Punching from our centre makes the punch strong and we punch the opponent’s centre. It is like checkmate in chess. Hit the king and then everything is over. Attacking another part of the body will not break their position. Once their position is broken all their power is gone, so we need to learn how to hit the opponent’s centre as it also connects to their centre of gravity.

In contrast, if someone tries to hit our centre of gravity, Paak Sau is one of the best ways to defend against it. The side blocks a straight line is a principle in a fight. Paak Sau also uses less energy as you slap and then let go. Then we can immediately strike back at their centre. This is the first application we must lean and it is a useful hand.